Is Self-Care Godly?

A present buzz word in our culture is “self-care”.  This term is everywhere from social media, magazines, and television.  It’s difficult to escape it!  But, with the rise of the concept of “self-care” comes a wide range of what exactly this term means.  From “momcations” to sipping tea in a quiet bathroom, it can be confusing.

So is the rise of the thought that “self-care” is super self-indulgent and not from God.  Let’s look at this train of thought for a moment.  God Himself created rest.  He worked 6 days and rested on the 7^th.  He recognized the limitations of man and through his actions, modeled how we should live.  We should have a day of rest.  We should recognize our limitations.  We should have a time of restoration.

How does this apply to the homeschool mom?  As the heart of the home, moms keep the plates spinning often working late at night and up early in the morning.  This pattern is often repeated 7 days a week.  While this may keep the plates spinning at least in the short term, what does it do to the body long term?  How does this schedule honor the temple God made?

Each season of life and child rearing looks different.  Many times the idea of getting away from it all is unfathomable, and luxuries such as massages, or even haircuts are not in the budget.  But what about purposefully setting aside time to fulfill the replenishment need?  Inexpensive restful activities can be a cup of tea in quiet, reading at least a page in a book of choice, walking around the block without children in tow listening to the birds, or just being alone in the house for a few hours with nothing but quiet.

It is imperative that as a busy homeschool mom, you are receiving a chance to get at least some form of rest.  If this seems like an unattainable goal, ask for assistance from your spouse, family, friends, or neighbor.  If it is impossible to take a whole day to rest, at the very least, work for a few minutes each day that you can call an island in the business of life.

Self-care isn’t self-indulgent.  Self-care is purposefully taking the time to give your body and mind a chance to recharge just as God Himself set the example for us.  By taking the time to recharge and restore, you will also forgo the possibilities of burnout and illness.  Ultimately when you do this, you honor God by taking care of the body he gave you so you, in turn, can take care of your family.